Sportswear Design Manager - MP Activewear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sportswear Design Manager
Company: THG (The Hut Group)
Location: Manchester, UK
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design & Development (Sportswear/Activewear)
Date Posted: 2025-10-09
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Fully Office Based

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of sportswear designers to conceptualize and develop innovative apparel collections for the MP Activewear brand.
• Drive the end-to-end design lifecycle for men's, women's, and accessories categories, ensuring alignment with brand ethos, market trends, and commercial viability.
• Conduct extensive market research into fashion trends, fabrics, technologies, and sustainability to maintain a competitive edge in the activewear sector.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, marketing, and buying teams to ensure designs meet technical, fit, functionality, and cost requirements.
• Foster a creative and high-performance design environment that champions innovation, quality, and brand representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a management position within the product design function, specifically focused on activewear. The emphasis on "performance," "functional," and "high-performance apparel" indicates a need for designers with expertise in technical sportswear rather than purely fashion-oriented apparel. The reporting structure to the Head of Product suggests a significant strategic input into the product roadmap and commercial success of the MP Activewear brand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative design culture across Men's, Women's, and Accessories product lines.
• Develop and execute comprehensive seasonal and capsule collections that align with MP Activewear's brand identity, target audience, and market positioning.
• Conduct thorough research on emerging fashion trends, fabric innovations, performance technologies, and sustainability practices to inform design direction and product development.
• Partner closely with the product development team to translate design concepts into manufacturable products, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, fit standards, and functional requirements.
• Manage the design critical path, ensuring timely delivery of all design assets and milestones throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Present design concepts, mood boards, and collection proposals effectively to senior leadership and cross-functional teams, incorporating feedback to refine designs.
• Collaborate with the buying team to select high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective materials that meet aesthetic and performance criteria.
• Monitor competitor activities, influencer collaborations, and market shifts to identify opportunities for innovation and maintain MP Activewear's competitive advantage.
• Oversee and participate in garment fittings, working with production teams to ensure design integrity and quality execution from concept to final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, strategic product vision, and operational oversight within the design process. The explicit mention of "sustainability" and "cost-effectiveness" indicates a need for a pragmatic and commercially aware designer who can balance aspirational design with business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in clothing design, with a strong focus on activewear or sportswear.
• At least 2 years of experience in a management or leadership role, directly overseeing a design team.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in activewear and performance apparel design, with a strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and functionality.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for creating technical flats, graphics, and design presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a design team, fostering creativity and driving project execution.
• Excellent understanding of fabric properties, their application in performance wear, and emerging textile technologies.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to translate design vision into commercially viable and trend-relevant collections.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Deep knowledge of the product development process, including timelines, critical paths, and production considerations.
• Ability to conduct and synthesize market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to inform design strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear).
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials within the apparel industry.
• Familiarity with e-commerce product development cycles and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand strategies.
• Experience managing accessories design alongside apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in performance and activewear design" is critical. This suggests that candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that highlight technical innovation, functional design elements, and an understanding of athletic performance needs, not just aesthetic appeal. The preference for 3D design software indicates a forward-thinking company embracing modern design tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional design work, with a significant emphasis on activewear and sportswear collections.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating the full design lifecycle from concept ideation, trend research, material selection, technical specification, and final product.
• Examples of leadership in design projects, illustrating team management, cross-functional collaboration, and successful project delivery.
• Visual documentation of technical flats, color palettes, fabric swatches, and finished garment examples, highlighting design details and construction.
• Evidence of understanding and application of performance-driven design principles and functional garment features.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in developing and managing design process workflows, from initial concept to final production handover.
• Demonstrate the ability to create, document, and implement design briefs and technical packages that ensure clear communication with manufacturing partners.
• Include examples of research methodologies used for trend forecasting, material sourcing, and competitor analysis, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.
• Present a clear understanding of the product development critical path and how to proactively manage timelines to ensure on-time delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display creative talent but also demonstrate leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and a robust understanding of the entire apparel product development process, from concept to consumer. The emphasis on "process documentation" implies a need for structured thinking and the ability to articulate and manage design workflows efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Sportswear Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Manchester, UK, the estimated salary range is £50,000 - £70,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the company's status as a global e-commerce leader, and the specific demands of the activewear market.

Benefits:

• Career Development: Access to bespoke development programs and up-skilling opportunities through in-house L&D and industry-leading training providers.
• Enhanced Leave: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with your birthday off, and options for compassionate leave and buying back leave.
• Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive support including face-to-face/virtual GP appointments, in-house CBT therapist, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) by Bupa, and state-of-the-art on-site gym and physio.
• Other Perks: Salary sacrifice scheme for personal tech (up to 12% savings), subsidized bus pass from Manchester City Centre, significant staff discounts (up to 50%) on THG brands, and access to an on-site staff shop and barber.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with expectations of flexibility to meet project deadlines and business needs within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Manchester area and the UK's sporting goods/apparel sector. THG is known for its comprehensive benefits package, which is detailed in the job description. The mention of "fully office-based" implies that the standard working hours are expected to be fulfilled on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global E-commerce, Beauty & Sports Nutrition. THG operates primarily in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) retail space, with a strong focus on digital innovation and brand building. Company Size: Over 2,500 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with structured departments and established operational processes. Founded: THG was founded in 2004, signifying a company with significant growth and evolution, now a major player in its respective markets.

Team Structure:

• The design team operates within the THG Nutrition division, specifically for the MP Activewear brand.
• The Design Manager reports directly to the Head of Product, indicating a clear line of leadership and strategic input.
• Collaboration is expected across departments including product development, marketing, buying, and potentially e-commerce operations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core component, leveraging customer insights, sales data, and market analytics to inform product design and strategy.
• A fast-paced, agile approach to product development and market responsiveness is characteristic of successful e-commerce businesses like THG.
• Emphasis on continuous innovation and staying ahead of market trends in both product and digital customer experience.

Company Website: https://www.thg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: THG's culture is often described as entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and ambitious. As a large e-commerce group, it likely employs a blend of structured processes necessary for scale and the agility required to adapt quickly to market changes. The "think BIG" slogan suggests a culture that encourages bold ideas and ambitious goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior management level within the product design function. It requires not only design expertise but also leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to manage a team and influence product direction. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Head of Product, a senior leadership position responsible for the overall product strategy and performance of the MP Activewear brand. This structure provides direct access to strategic decision-making and cross-functional alignment. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct impact on the commercial success of MP Activewear by creating collections that resonate with the target market, drive sales, and enhance brand perception. Effective design directly influences customer acquisition, retention, and overall revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Head of Design, Head of Product, or similar senior leadership roles within THG Nutrition or other THG divisions.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term design strategy and product roadmap for a major global activewear brand.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in performance apparel, sustainable design, or emerging textile technologies through company-supported development programs.
• Cross-Brand Exposure: Potential to contribute to or gain insights from other brands within the THG portfolio, leveraging their diverse market insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, dynamic e-commerce organization. Growth opportunities are tied to demonstrating leadership, strategic product vision, and the ability to drive commercial success through design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Office Based at THG HQ in Manchester. This implies a structured, professional work environment designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): THG HQ, Manchester (WA15 0AF). This location is likely a modern, well-equipped facility supporting a large workforce. Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming, and cross-functional meetings.
• Access to design studios, sample rooms, and potentially advanced design technology.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, dynamic, and reflective of a leading global e-commerce company.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, with a requirement to be office-based. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, typical in a retail and e-commerce environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being "Fully Office Based" suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is common in creative and product development roles where rapid feedback and shared ideation are crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Head of Product to assess experience, leadership style, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and leadership approach. This is a critical stage.
• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially includes a design challenge or discussion with other members of the design or product team to assess technical skills and collaborative abilities.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best highlight your experience in activewear, performance apparel, and leadership. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your approach, the design solution, and the outcome/impact (e.g., commercial success, performance improvement).
• Showcase Process: Include mood boards, trend research, fabric selections, technical sketches, and final product imagery to demonstrate your end-to-end process.
• Highlight Leadership: For management roles, include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and managed design projects from concept to completion.
• Tailor to MP Activewear: Emphasize designs that align with the MP Activewear brand values, target audience, and performance focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that tests your ability to ideate quickly, consider functionality, and present design concepts relevant to activewear.
• Practice articulating your design rationale, material choices, and construction methods clearly and concisely.
• Prepare to discuss how you would approach market research, trend forecasting, and managing a design team within a fast-paced e-commerce environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely a significant component of the interview process. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their creative output but also their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the commercial aspects of activewear design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator (for technical flats, vector artwork) and Photoshop (for mood boards, digital mock-ups, graphic design).
• 3D Design Software (Preferred): Proficiency in tools like CLO3D or Browzwear would be a significant advantage for visualizing designs, creating virtual prototypes, and reducing sample iterations.
• PLM Software (Potential): Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems used for managing product data, specifications, and development timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience interpreting sales data, market research reports, and customer feedback to inform design decisions.
• Ability to use analytics to gauge the commercial performance of past collections and identify future opportunities.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how customer data and e-commerce platforms influence product demand and design direction is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around design software, with a growing emphasis on 3D design tools for efficiency and innovation in apparel development. Understanding how design integrates with broader e-commerce operations and data analytics is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and introduce new concepts, materials, and technologies in activewear design.
• Performance: A commitment to designing functional, high-quality apparel that meets the rigorous demands of athletes and active individuals.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.
• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring products meet the needs and desires of the active consumer.
• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined processes, timely delivery, and commercially viable design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, working closely with product development to ensure designs are technically feasible and manufacturable.
• Engaged with marketing to ensure designs align with brand messaging and campaign strategies.
• Partnership with buying to balance creative vision with material sourcing, cost, and sustainability requirements.
• Open to feedback and iterative design processes to achieve optimal product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a performance-driven, innovative, and customer-focused brand. The collaborative style emphasizes integration across departments to ensure a cohesive product strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Commercial Viability: Creating cutting-edge designs that also appeal to a broad market and meet profitability targets.
• Fast-Paced E-commerce Environment: Adapting to rapid trend cycles and the need for quick product development and launch.
• Global Market Understanding: Designing for a diverse international customer base with varying preferences and performance needs.
• Sustainability Integration: Incorporating sustainable materials and practices without compromising performance or aesthetics.
• Team Management: Leading and motivating a design team in a demanding, results-oriented environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting & Material Innovation: Staying at the forefront of activewear trends, fabric technologies, and sustainable material advancements.
• Leadership Development: Enhancing management skills, strategic planning, and team motivation through company programs.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into e-commerce operations, marketing strategies, and global supply chains.
• Brand Strategy: Contributing to the strategic direction and growth of a major global activewear brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a dynamic sportswear brand operating in the competitive e-commerce landscape. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to advance their career in product design leadership within the global athleisure market.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new activewear collection from concept to final product, focusing on how you'd balance performance, style, and commercial viability for MP Activewear."
• "How would you lead and motivate a design team to innovate and consistently deliver high-quality designs in a fast-paced e-commerce environment?"
• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements (e.g., marketing, product development, buying) for a garment. How did you navigate it?"
• "What are the key trends you see shaping the future of activewear, and how would you integrate them into the MP Activewear product line?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about THG and the MP Activewear brand? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our mission?"
• "How do you approach sustainability in your design process? What are some examples of sustainable materials or practices you've implemented?"
• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product development, marketing, and buying teams."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by theme (e.g., performance, lifestyle, innovation). Start with an overview of your experience and leadership philosophy.
• Detail Key Projects: For 2-3 of your strongest activewear projects, delve into the brief, your creative process, technical considerations, material choices, and the impact of the final product. Use high-quality visuals.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in managing the design process, leading team members, and collaborating with other departments.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide metrics or examples of how your designs contributed to sales, customer engagement, or brand perception.
• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical knowledge, and how you handle feedback and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on translating design skills into leadership and strategic impact. Candidates should be ready to discuss their understanding of the activewear market, their leadership approach, and how they align with THG's data-driven and results-oriented culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sportswear Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the THG talent portal using the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your CV and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in activewear, performance apparel, and team leadership. Prioritize showcasing relevant case studies and design processes.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience in clothing design and management, using keywords such as "activewear," "sportswear," "performance apparel," "garment construction," "technical design," "Adobe Creative Suite," and "team leadership."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on your design process, leadership style, and commercial understanding of the activewear market. Be prepared to discuss your approach to trends, sustainability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with THG's brands, particularly Myprotein and MP Activewear, their market position, and their commitment to innovation and customer engagement. Understand their values and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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